FG Advises Varsities, Polys to Focus on Innovations

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on universities and polytechnics in the country to prioritise technical education and foster innovative ideas to enhance the productivity of their graduates.

According to the FG, equipping students with the needed technical skills and promoting innovation will boost job opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Oluwemimo Osanipin, underscored the need for institutions to train students to solve problems and add value to Nigeria’s production chain.

Osanipin’s comments followed the development of an electric tricycle by the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, which the NADDC inspected on Friday.

The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Mukail Akinde, announced plans to establish a mini assembly plant for the production of the automated tricycle.

He said the tricycle was made from locally sourced components, adding that the FG would support the polytechnic in mass production of the vehicle.

Osanipin said, “This is a welcome development for educational institutions. We have been encouraging schools to strengthen the technical aspects of their curricula. Polytechnics, as well as universities of technology and even conventional universities with mechatronics or mechanical departments, should focus on technical education and innovation."

He added, “Our graduates must contribute to the production chain and be problem solvers. Doing so will create job opportunities and boost Nigeria’s economy.

“The cost of production is a major challenge for local manufacturers, which affects market pricing. Interest rates are around 30 per cent, and import duties add to the cost because some materials often need to be imported to complete local products.

“In China, there is ample funding for local manufacturers, but that’s not the case in Nigeria. Funding is a challenge, and that is why some local products are costlier than the imported ones.”